Fairuz Turkish Restaurant

Fairuz Turkish Restaurant is on Al-Azahari Square in the Al Uyun district of north Madinah, Saudi Arabia, close to Sultanah Road. It serves Turkish kebabs in a city where Turkish cooking has a long standing, linked both to the Ottoman era, when Madinah was an important imperial holy city, and to the steady flow of Turkish pilgrims and residents today. The kitchen has no Michelin recognition or celebrity-chef lineage; it is a casual restaurant built around the grill. The signature dishes are the Iskender kebab, thinly sliced grilled meat laid over bread and topped with tomato sauce, yoghurt and melted butter, priced around SAR 40-70 (about $11-19), and the mixed grill at roughly SAR 50-90 (about $13-24). Iskender is a hearty single plate, while the mixed grill suits sharing among two or three diners and typically brings several kinds of skewer with rice or bread, grilled vegetables and salad. The dining room is relaxed and unpretentious, with tables for families and groups, a moderate noise level and the smell of charcoal; the feel is that of a neighbourhood kebab house. Modest everyday clothing is appropriate. Alcohol is not served in Saudi Arabia, so ayran, Turkish tea, soft drinks and juices fill the beverage list. Reservations are not needed and walk-in is standard; groups visiting at weekends or during Ramadan evenings may wish to call ahead. Expect to spend about SAR 35-80 (about $9-21) per person, estimated. Al-Azahari Square is in the north of the city, a taxi or ride-hailing ride from the central Haram area, and the restaurant is a handy option for visitors staying in the Al Uyun and Sultanah Road area. It makes a good alternative to the busier central-area grills.